Most people who would play hidden object games are likely familiar with The Great Gatsby. In fact, we’d wager that a significant percentage actually read the book by famed author F. Scott Fitzgerald. Turning this book into a hidden object game sounded like a stretch when we first heard about it, but having actually played it, we wonder why more classic novels haven’t already had a hidden object adventure devoted to them. Not only is Classic Adventures: The Great Gatsby fun, but it really does relay the important scenes from the book in a way that is understandable. The game also presents hidden objects in a couple of innovative ways.

For those not in the know, The Great Gatsby is told from the point of view of a character named Nick, cousin to Daisy and neighbor to Jay Gatsby. Gatsby is popular for throwing great parties and having a huge house, but other than that, few people seem to know anything about him. The one thing we learn very quickly is that Gatsby and Daisy used to be a couple, but he went off to war and Daisy married an egocentric jerk, one who was also cheating on her as we learn in the first few scenes. The story is a tragedy and will not have a happy ending, so for anyone who hasn’t read the book and doesn’t like those types of stories, this may not be for you. Although there is a lot of dialogue and explanation left out of the game that players can get from reading the book, it still does a solid job relating all the important points of the book.

Microsoft Game Studios announced today that the popular and best-selling Zoo Tycoon franchise is roaring to life with a new Web site. Fans of the franchise can visit for the latest zoo news, downloadable wallpapers,
coloring book pages, ring tones and much more. Gamers can fully immerse themselves in the new Zoo Tycoon world, which features an innovative design that is fun, user-friendly and allows fans to easily access information about current games, including Zoo Tycoon 2 and Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species, and upcoming releases, such as Zoo Tycoon 2: African Adventure, Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania and Zoo Tycoon 2: Dino Danger Pack.

The Web site also introduces new community features with frequent postings. Ask the Zookeeper answers gamers questions about odd zoo topics and animals, such as “Why are flamingos pink?” In addition, roving rodent reporters, Zoey and Zeek the zoo mice, conduct animal interviews in the new column, “Animal Escapades.” Helpful game tips and behind the scenes developer diaries will also be available.

Zoo Tycoon 2, the sequel to the award-winning Zoo Tycoon, continues to provide the ultimate zoo experience, challenging gamers to design and build the most vibrant zoo possible while working to ensure animal happiness, customer satisfaction and profitability. With Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species and the upcoming releases of Zoo Tycoon 2: African Adventure and Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania? E10+ rated expansion packs, and downloadable Zoo Tycoon 2: Dino Danger Pack, players can step directly into their zoo where they’ll be face-to-face with guests and exotic animals.

Since its launch in November 2004, Zoo Tycoon 2 has continued the award-winning legacy of its predecessors and has been recognized by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, Children’s Software & New Media Revue, and Scholastic Parent & Child.